“Modern technology has become a total phenomenon for civilization, the defining force of a new social order in which an efficiency is no longer an option but a necessity imposed on all human activity.” ~ Jacques Ellul

FLASHLIGHT APP TRIES TO INFECT GOOGLE PLAY

THE STORY

The malware named BankBot made its way to Google Play Store again and this time, it was found hidden inside Flashlight and Solitaire apps.

WHAT IS THE MOTIVE FOR CONCEALING A MALWARE?

This year has been continuously haunted by malware attacks, regardless of the platform. A malware, BankBot found its way to Google Play Store numerous times. The malware targeted apps of large banks such as DiBa, Citibank, Chase and WellsFargo and their users in USA, Australia, Netherlands, France, Portugal, Singapore, Philippines, Poland, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Russia and Dominican Republic.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The malware is well hidden inside the apps like Tornado Flashlight. Once a user downloads an app, the malware activates. Regardless all the security by Play Protect, BankBot evaded the defense by hosting its payload on a command & control server. The malware then waits for two hours before downloading the payload. If your phone is not set to allow the installation from unknown sources, you will get a prompt to accept the installation. The infected Android apps were impersonated into tricking users to believe that Google Play or system update is seeking admin rights. Once the permission is granted, BankBot will wait until the user logins into the aforementioned banking apps. Once a user has logged in, the credentials will quickly be shared with the hackers heading the malware drive.

Most of the banking apps send a security code before letting a user access an account. However, with BankBot installed, this process is also impeded as it blocks the notification and sends the code directly to the hackers.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO TO STAY SECURE?

Well, there are threats everywhere. You can’t stop them but you can make sure that you stay secure. There are some steps that a user can take to avoid getting victimized.

Don’t download any app from unknown sources. Don’t change the default settings that block the installation of apps from outside the Play Store. Always double check before thinking of installing any app on the phone.

A FIX FOR BUZZING FOR PIXEL 2?

THE STORY

Google’s hardware team has responded that they would be fixing the issues such as buzzing sound heard in the earpiece during phone calls.

DOESN’T IT SEEM TO BE A RESTLESS YEAR FOR GOOGLE’S HARDWARE TEAM?

Despite the good and sturdy reviews, Google Pixel 2 has been in the trouble lately. They are facing bumps in the road one after another. First, the screen burn-in, then the buzzing sound, it looks like Google’s hardware team has a lot more to do.

Google Pixel Community Manager released a statement, “We’re rolling out a software update in the coming weeks which eliminates a faint buzzing sound on some Pixel 2 devices when the phone is placed to your ear during a phone call.”

Well, Google is working on fixes the issues and soon will release an update to overcome them.

ARE THERE MORE ISSUES TO ADDRESS?

Since the launch, the software glitches crept in one by one. The issues have somehow overpowered the excellency of the device and have disappointed users. Well, Google also failed to maintain the quality of packaging. The list of issues goes like this, screen burn-in issue, unresponsive edges, clicking noises, bad sound recording on videos and more. Chiefly screen burn-in has been highlighted repeatedly. It is a condition, wherein an afterimage is visible on the screen, even after you are onto something else.

All the issues are making a bad impression of the mighty phones. Google has to do something about it soon as they surely wouldn’t want to compromise with the sales with holiday season approaching.

DOES GOOGLE NEED TO WORK ON DEVICE MAKING SKILLS?

The excitement to get a Google finished Android smartphone is diminishing due to the sustainable issues popping now and then on Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. It seems Google fell short in manufacturing and testing the devices before shipping. However, Google is trying to make a comeback by fixing the issues.

Google needs time to refine the manufacturing and testing skills to produce a flawless product.

Author: Srishti SisodiaSrishti Sisodia is a technical content journalist at Systweak Software. Apart from being a capable engineer, her affinity for inscription draws her towards writing interesting content about contemporary technologies and progressions. She is an avid reader and a fare connoisseur. She relishes different cuisines and when it comes to baking, she takes the cake!

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